Why Brussels?

Things happen in Brussels! There’s always a buzz. Not just because it’s the capital of 500 million Europeans and political decisions are made here, but also because Brussels offers you an exciting cultural, artistic and social scene... at sensible prices. All in a city with historical beauty and a multicultural soul. No wonder Brussels is the n°1 destination for congresses in Europe...

1) Europe’s premier host city

Rankings from the Union of International Associations show that Brussels is the n°1 destination in Europe for congresses, and second in the world. But this is no ordinary convention city! Brussels hosts all the decision-making EU institutions, 1700 international organisations, 1000 press correspondents and the world’s largest lobbying industry. Plus four European summits a year with 27 heads of state in town. All of which has enabled Brussels to develop world-class hospitality services and facilities.

2) Easy Access

Brussels has superb air, road and rail connections, right in the heart of Europe. More than 60 million people live within 300 km of Brussels, less than two hours by high-speed train. If you fly in, it takes only 20 minutes from the airport to the city centre. And when you have arrived, it’s easy to move around this compact city, by public transport or on foot.

3) Multicultural understanding

Everybody is welcome in Brussels. It’s a truly cosmopolitan city. French, Dutch and English are spoken everywhere; other languages also flourish. The growth of EU institutions and international organisations has enriched this multi-culture, creating a melting pot of nationalities, ideas and cultures where everyone feels at home.

4) City of research and science

Brussels is home to hundreds of international headquarters of scientific organisations and corporations, from healthcare multinationals and research centres to chemical associations and energy producers. To help maintain this innovative profile, Brussels offers a full support programme for scientific congresses in the city, including generous pre-financing and subsidies.

5) Amazing selection of venues

From Europe’s most centrally-located meeting complex, Square- Brussels Meeting Centre, to the world’s most surprising meeting place in the Atomium, Brussels gives you an astonishing variety of meeting and event venues of all sizes. Historical, unusual, art nouveau, post-industrial, design, academic, ultra-modern, ... there’s no end of choice. And all our venues:
• are within walking distance of hotels;
• offer easy access to transport, leisure and the city centre;
• are conveniently grouped in 5 distinctive and self-sufficient convention districts to suit your needs.
For finding a venue/a supplier click here

6) Lots going on

The Brussels agenda is packed with events, festivals and surprises. Do you fancy dinner on a tram while you tour the city? This is possible! Indoors, Brussels offers you dozens of fine museums and exhibitions; outside, you can join a folklore festival, browse a street market or take in a garden concert. So many reasons to come to Brussels...
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7) Sustainable Brussels

As an international city with more than 60,000 registered meetings a year, Brussels is playing a leading role in the organisation of sustainable meetings and events:
• voted Europe’s n°1 city for its environmental policy;
• has its own city eco-label , encouraging all players in the meeting industry to adopt sustainable practices;
• particular attention paid to participatory tourism;
• promotes social legacy programmes;
• creating sustainable districts (including Tour & Taxis project, exhibition area and European district);
• new mobility centre promotes sustainable mobility;
• and as Europe’s leading terminal for international high-speed trains, Brussels is a greener destination to travel to.
In nature’s eyes, Brussels is already the greenest capital in Europe, with more than 27 m² of green space per resident!
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8) Art de vivre

With its fine cuisine, inviting shops and charming historical centre, Brussels offers visitors a comforting quality of life. Outside the corridors of power, Brussels has maintained its local traditions and rich heritage - like the comic strip art, Surrealism and Art Nouveau that colour the city. People enjoy living here, and it shows. There’s a layback ambience of good humour and tolerance flowing through the city.

9) Human scale

Europe’s capital is a compact city, easy to get around in. Most places are within walking distance or a short ride away. Step out of your hotel and the chances are you’ll find shops, restaurants, places of interest and nightlife, all within a short stroll.

10) We support you, all the way

VISITBRUSSELS is the official Brussels Convention Bureau and we’re here to help you anyway we can, any time. Our dynamic, experienced teams offer you a free advisory service and work with the best local partners to offer you the most complete range of customised convention services available – from putting together a winning application to building congress attendance and welcoming your delegates when they arrive in Brussels.
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